Thursday, March 05, 2009
I've been asked to testify in court.
I got a call from the Assistant Attorney General's office earlier this week. They wanted my permission to subpoena me to testify in the upcoming contested termination trial for Boo's case.

I had some apprehensions about doing so but the Asst. Attorney General who's been representing the state in this case called me herself personally to answer my questions and offer assurances.

My main concern was confidentiality.  We've worked hard this past year to keep our last name and mailing address out of the court records for this case.  We sign all court documents by first name only.  We don't give out our address when filling out forms that might make their way to lawyers to be submitted in court.  We have made it clear to Boo's lawyer and the CPS workers for this case that our information is not to be given out.  To the best of our knowledge they've respected this request.  Whenever we receive notification of upcoming court appointments, the notices themselves, which are given to all involved parties, show only Foster Parents/Address Confidential.

So, I worried that if I got up in court to testify, I'd be required to state first and last name.  Or that the subpoena that would be sent to me and admitted into court record would have our mailing address on it.  The Asst. Attorney General assured me that they'd leave everything listed as confidential, even on the subpoena, and that she would address me in court as "the foster mom", without having to ask for my last name.

What it comes down to is that they want me to testify to inform the judge, in my own words, what we've been through with Boo since she joined our family a year ago, how committed we are to this child, and that we are indeed willing and able to adopt her if a severance ruling is given.

Having never testified in court before, I must admit to being a bit nervous.  I'm not so concerned about the questions that the Asst. Attorney General might be asking me, or what cross-examination questions Boo's lawyer might ask of me because their goal is the same as mine, severance and adoption (by us).  I am a bit nervous about the cross examination of the bio-mom's attorney.

Will he attempt to try to discredit me?  It'll be hard because I have nothing to hide and I'll be telling the truth.  I'm not on trial, the bio mom is.  The Asst. Attorney General gave me an idea of some of the types of questions he might ask me but she can't be certain what to expect from him.

In the end, I told her I'd do it.  If she felt that my testimony would help strengthen their case in appealing to the judge to sever parental rights, then I'd do it.  This child deserves permanency.  She deserves to no longer be a foster child, after 20 months in care already.  She deserves to have a loving, stable, caring, healthy home environment.  We can offer that.  We love her.  We want to be her parents.  We want Snuggle Bug to be her older brother.  

She does not deserve to have this strung out any longer. 

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6:37 AM
17 comments


17 Comments:
At 10:45 PM, Blogger Mrs. Breum said...

Wow-I would have all the same concerns. It is awesome that you are going to do this, and I so hope you can adopt her!

 
At 11:52 PM, Blogger PastormacsAnn said...

Will be praying!!

 
At 2:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everything will go well.


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com

 
At 6:23 AM, Blogger Carey said...

Praying for you. Your doing the right thing, Boo needs you to do this for her.

 
At 9:50 AM, Blogger abebech said...

She does deserve permanency, and unending love, and I know you will give her those things.

 
At 10:07 AM, Blogger lightshines said...

Praying for you and the situation.

 
At 12:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have the same reservations as well. I find it admirable of the Assistant DA to personally take the time to talk with you, that would make me feel better.

 
At 12:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have the same reservations as well. I find it admirable of the Assistant DA to personally take the time to talk with you, that would make me feel better.

 
At 2:56 PM, Blogger heidi @ ggip said...

I would have the same concerns. Much luck in the testimony. I know you may be nervous, but I think your heart is in the right place!

 
At 6:37 PM, Blogger Adoption Etiquette said...

In my experience the Bio Mom's attorney isn't truly out to look like a jerk for grilling a loving foster mom, they don't want to make it a case of Bio Family vs. Foster Family since the point of the trial is if Bio Mom is capable of parenting this child ever in the near future. If the attorney steps over boundaries the state's attorney will object (in my experiences) and you wont have to answer. You'll do fine and your information will be kept confidential if everyone tries. I'm praying for Boo. Go team Boo!

 
At 7:25 PM, Blogger Erin said...

Praying for you all!

 
At 12:10 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Best wishes to you and Boo's case. I'm sure things will go great -- you are a loving, caring family (from what I read here on the blog). I love hearing about you and the kids and all your hobbies. Here's hoping the trial goes smoothly and Boo can soon join your family permanently.

 
At 2:12 PM, Blogger Kathy's Korner said...

this is the side of adoption I wish the media would jump on.

It seems that they are fabulous about going on and on about how many kids are available for adoption.

they neglect that you might end up testifying in court just so that you can love and care for a child that another has basically thrown away.

I'm glad you decided to go for it!

 
At 7:58 PM, Blogger Michelle said...

I can certainly understand why you would have apprehensions, and it seems like they are taking all your concerns into consideration and doing what needs to be done to ensure your confidentiality. It sounds like you're doing the right thing- to be able to paint the picture of Boo's life over this past year. will be thinking of you!

 
At 1:37 PM, Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

I know this is a few days late but did you go to court yet? I would be nervous as well - only normal. And you are so right, Boo deserves you guys as her permanent family. I pray it all goes smoothly. Hugs!

 
At 5:59 PM, Blogger boysmum2 said...

Good for you. It will be tough but so worth it at the end. Well done for standing up for someone else. That takes a lot.

 
At 4:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you feel ok about adopting a child that the mother doesn't want to relinquish? I would not feel good about that.

 

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Name: Overwhelmed

My complete profile

It wasn't supposed to work this way...Parts 1 through 10

(the story of the private, domestic adoption of our son)


(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
(Part 4)
(Part 5)
(Part 6)
(Part 7)
(Part 8)
(Part 9)
(Part 10- Adoption Finalization)

Fostering isn't for the faint of heart!

(our journey to adopt again through foster-to-adopt, the good, the bad, & everything in between)


Adoption #2- considering the State
More Adoption #2 thoughts
Adoption #2- Back to considering the State
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 1)
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 2)
Family Foster Home Licensing Prep Checklist
Adoption #2- Long overdue update
PS-MAPP class homework assignment
Our preliminary home inspection went well!
Adoption #2: Licensing update
Adoption #2- Foster Facts
Adoption #2: I love it when things go my way!
Adoption #2- The home inspection
Adoption #2- We failed our home inspection!
Adoption #2- We passed the follow-up home inspection!
Adoption #2- Still waiting
Adoption #2- We're getting closer
Adoption #2- An update & a lead
Adoption #2- The lead that didn't pan out.
Adoption #2- We're licensed!
Adoption #2- We have a tiny baby here!
Adoption #2- Update on this precious little girl.
Adoption #2- Quick update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is staying longer!
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is growing!
Adoption #2- Overdue update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- The latest on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Shopping spree for Baby Bug
Being a Foster Parent Does Not Make Me A Saint
Adoption #2- Another Placement Call!
Adoption #2- Placement Meeting- UPDATED!
Adoption #2- We have Boo at our home!
Adoption #2- Meeting Boo
Adoption #2- I'm angry on Boo's behalf!
Adoption #2- A Birthday Party for Boo
Adjusting to three 3 and under!
Stressful moments in fostering.
Adoption #2- Update on our foster daughters
CPS Workers Jerking Our Chain!
It's getting much worse!
Fostering: Update on Baby Bug
Fostering: Update on Boo
The effects of fostering on Snuggle Bug
The time is drawing near to let go of Baby Bug.
Good conversation with Baby Bug's dad.
Boo has a Permanency hearing coming soon!
My heart is breaking!
Bittersweet news about Baby Bug.
Next Friday is going to be tough.
Packing up Baby Bug's belongings
It's done- Baby Bug is gone.
Working on finding peace, one day at a time.
Referral to the Early Intervention Program
Baby Bug update
Home Inspection for re-licensing
Parole granted for Boo's bio mom
Baby Bug is turning 1 year old soon.
Day 2 of Boo's permanency hearing
A prayer answered today!
Attending Baby Bug's 1st birthday party
Foster news
Good news for Boo's case
Boo's bio family visits
Termination Trial date set!
A new caseworker for Boo
I've been asked to testify in court.
Court hearing for "John Doe"
Contested termination trial begins tomorrow afternoon
Boo's adoption has been finalized!

March Pay It Forward book exchange- 6 books up for...
Disturbing message from Baby Bug's mom! *Updated*
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Homemade Pizza Edition)
Mahalo Hawaii!
Sore throat in Hawaii.
A new case worker for Boo.
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Mai Tai)
Surf's up on Waikiki beach!
A chance to win 6 of my Uptown hair clips!
Look what we saw yesterday in Hawaii!
























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